In life, it’s natural to seek immediate solutions when faced with difficulties. We all desire quick fixes to our problems—a way out of pain, confusion, or uncertainty. But often, the Creator’s ways are different. He doesn’t always provide a quick escape. Instead, He allows us to walk through and not be removed from challenges, not because He is indifferent to our struggles, but because He is shaping our character for something greater. Let’s explore this truth from a Messianic Jewish perspective, with an example from the Torah.
Consider the story of Joseph (Genesis 37), the beloved son of Jacob. Joseph’s journey wasn’t an easy one. After receiving dreams from YHVH about his future greatness, he was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and later wrongfully imprisoned in Egypt. From the outside, it may have seemed that everything was going wrong. Joseph could have cried out for a quick solution to be freed from his suffering. But instead of an immediate rescue, the Eternal led Joseph through years of trial and perseverance. Why?
Elohim was developing Joseph’s character, preparing him for a greater purpose. During his time in prison and in slavery, Joseph learned leadership, humility, and reliance on YHVH.
1 Samuel 2:8-10 He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory.
It wasn’t a quick fix, but a process that brought him closer to Elohim’s perfect plan. When the time was right, Joseph was elevated to a position of authority as second-in-command in Egypt, saving not only his family but also countless others from famine.
Y’shua also models this pattern. His time of testing and perseverance—both in the wilderness and on the cross—was not bypassed for the sake of a quick resolution. He willingly walked through pain, rejection, and suffering, not only to fulfill prophecy but to teach us endurance and trust in the Father’s plan.
Romans 5:3-5 echoes this principle: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because YHVH’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
These words encourage us to trust in His process, knowing that our hardships have a purpose that goes beyond immediate relief.
In the midst of our trials, we might be tempted to ask, “Where is YHVH? Why hasn’t He solved this problem yet?” The answer is that He isn’t interested in quick fixes that bypass His plans. He is interested in transformation—building in us the character necessary to fulfill our purpose and destiny.
As we walk through life’s challenges, may we remember that our faith is in His timing and purpose. Trusting in Him allows Him to develop within us qualities like perseverance, strength, and righteousness. These are the traits that carry us to the next level—both spiritually and in the fulfillment of His promises.
Let’s look beyond the desire for a quick solution and embrace the journey He sets before us, knowing that through it, He is preparing us for something greater. Just as He did with Joseph and Y’shua, He will walk with us through the valleys and lead us into the place of His perfect plan in due time. Shalom.
